Introduction
Finding the centroid of a shape like a circle or square is very easy. However for an object such as a beam, the centroid is only represented by the geometric center if the material is uniform or homogenous. Beams and other materials are often reinforced with a different material. Such reinforcement likely changes the location of the centroid from the geometric center. It is important that
engineers account for this in their designs.
Equipment
- Corkboard, poster board, or card stock
- Paper, 20 lb weight or less
- Clear tape
- Scissors
- 18 in. of string
- 1 – washer
- Thumb tack
- Ruler
- MDSolids
Procedure
In this activity you will identify the centroid location of common and complex shapes using object symmetry, mathematics, and MDSolids software.
Calculate and Label the Centroid Location
Calculate, label, and dimension the and components. Indicate the location of the centroid using the symbol.
Finding the centroid of a shape like a circle or square is very easy. However for an object such as a beam, the centroid is only represented by the geometric center if the material is uniform or homogenous. Beams and other materials are often reinforced with a different material. Such reinforcement likely changes the location of the centroid from the geometric center. It is important that
engineers account for this in their designs.
Equipment
- Corkboard, poster board, or card stock
- Paper, 20 lb weight or less
- Clear tape
- Scissors
- 18 in. of string
- 1 – washer
- Thumb tack
- Ruler
- MDSolids
Procedure
In this activity you will identify the centroid location of common and complex shapes using object symmetry, mathematics, and MDSolids software.
Calculate and Label the Centroid Location
Calculate, label, and dimension the and components. Indicate the location of the centroid using the symbol.